The urban landscape of Cairo has been significantly influenced by both the natural environment and religion, particularly Islam. Situated in the fertile crescent of the Nile, Cairo stands as one of the world's earliest cities, its growth facilitated by the abundant supply of fresh water. The traditional city cores were characterized by fortified walls and were often dominated by structures such as the Citadel or Kasbah. Throughout the Middle Ages, the development of cities like Cairo revolved around key elements such as water sources, places of worship, and bustling marketplaces (Zeigler, 2012).

According to Arab tradition, Fustat initially served as a camp-city, with distinct sections allocated for the various tribal units of the army. Following the conquest of Babylon, the land was partitioned into separate areas or cantonments for the fifty tribal groups comprising the army. Amr, recognizing the need for organization, established a commission to resolve disputes arising over the size and placement of these cantonments. The total area encompassed approximately 600-800 hectares, bordered by elevated plateaus and hills

The first structure erected under Amr's rule was a mosque situated at the city's center. Fustat experienced significant growth following the fall of Alexandria, as migrants from Yemen, Syria, and Christian communities flocked to the city, resulting in a considerable increase in population (Map 1). The spaces between the cantonments quickly became inhabited, fostering greater diversity within the population. Despite this expansion, the Mosque of Amr retained its central role in religious affairs and served as the seat of government, while the largest market groups congregated around the port. During this period, there was a notable reconstruction of the mosque, with minarets added at the four corners and an expansion of its area.

Another hallmark of urban development was the establishment of streets. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of two main paved streets: one leading from the Mosque of Amr to the north of the city, and the other running east-west, connecting the Nile to the eastern extremity of Fustat. The initial city layout featured affluent residential settlements clustered near the city center.

The Fatimid ruler Jawhar, upon his arrival to conquer Egypt in 968, opted for a sandy plain northeast of the city, steering clear of the Nile floodplains and the bustling river confluence. Erected on a rocky mount protruding from the Muqattam hills, the citadel he constructed commanded the elevated terrain. Serving as the governmental hub since the Ayyubid period in the early 1000s, this citadel oversaw the establishment of new structures, including libraries, a grand hall, hospitals, and numerous mosques, shaping the urban landscape until the mid-nineteenth century (Raymond, 2007). Consequently, two distinct cities emerged as the capital shifted from Fustat (to the south of the Cairo) to Cairo, leading to Fustat's decline, as efforts to unite the two cities under the rule of Saladin(Arab ruler that came after Amr) proved unsuccessful. 

The country was partitioned into 24 districts, with the sultan retaining ten for himself and distributing the remaining fourteen among Mamluks, emirs, and the royal guard. Urbanization in Cairo, which commenced during the early years of Ayyubid conquests, continued to thrive under Mamluk rule. A notable milestone was the construction of a hospital in 1284, renowned for its architectural grandeur and comprehensive healthcare services, including medical specialists, ophthalmologists, and laboratory facilities. The city burgeoned with the establishment of madrasas (schools), apartment complexes, and various other edifices